Banned and Challenged Books By: Vantaza Dennis, Monique Loza, and Sabrena Santos Banned and Challenged Books

Who Challenges and/or Bans Books? Parents challenge materials more often than any other group. Teachers People in general Who Challenges and/or Bans Books?

What is a Challenged Book? A challenged book is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group

What Are Some Reasons a Book Can Become Banned or Challenged? To protect others , frequently children, from inappropriate information, such as: Sexual Content Offensive Language Anything Unsuitable for Any Age Group

What is the Difference Between a Challenge and a Banning? A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials based on the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials.

What Books Have Been Challenged or Banned? How To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck As I Lay Dying, by William Falkner Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell The Color Purple, by Alice Walker

(First Amendment) Why Not Ban Books? Speech -The First Amendment says that people have the right to speak freely. Press -The First Amendment gives the press the right to publish. This also means people have the right to publish their own newspapers, newsletters, magazines, etc. Petition -The First Amendment says that people have the right to appeal to in favor of or against policies that they feel strongly about. This freedom includes the right to gather signatures in support of a cause. Assembly -The First Amendment says that people have the right to gather in public and express their views in a nonviolent way.

When is Censorship Appropriate? Censorship is appropriate when expressive materials, like books, magazines, films and videos, or works of art are kept from public access. Censorship also occurs when materials are restricted to particular audiences, based on their age or other characteristics. Materials considered inappropriate for children have often been censored.

How Can Someone Fight Censorship? Write letters to any and all public officials involved in the situation. Attend school boards, library boards, and PTA meetings. Start a petition or letter writing campaign. Spread the word online. Connect with local supporters. Work with community groups or wherever censorship is taking place. You want your thoughts publicized and heard by others.

Bibliography Mill ,John. “Censorship.” [Online] Available http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/yalsamemonly/yalsamounder/yalsamotopics/ifqa.pdf, February 20,2010 Bane, Katie. “Banned and Challenged Books.” [Online] Available http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/index.cfm March 4, 2009 Wood, Lois. “About Banned & Challenged Books.” [Online] Available http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/aboutbannedbooks/index, March 4, 2009